Asymmetric thin markets

Journal of Financial Economics. 2026. No. 183. Article 104319.

Fardeau V.

Using a new equilibrium representation, I characterize dynamic, nonstationary risk sharing in a complete-information setting among strategic traders submitting demand schedules and heterogeneous in risk aversion. In equilibrium, more risk-averse (smaller) traders diversify more aggressively due to endogenously lower price impact. This creates term structure effects, where smaller traders dynamically hedge the persistent order flow of larger, slower traders and become the marginal pricers at short horizons. When pre-announced security issuances (e.g., bond reopenings) or predictable trades take place, the model generates the gradual, V-shaped price response observed around these events and delivers new predictions about institutional trading.

Keywords: thin markets, anticipated shocks, Asymmetric price impact

Publication based on the results of: Financial Institutions and Banking Markets in the Context of Structural Changes and Economic Turbulence: Drivers of Development and Efficiency (2025)